Doctors often prescribe baby aspirin (82 mg) to guard against the formation of blood clots instead of a higher dose of 350 mg found in a regular aspirin. Which statement best describes the distinction in dosages?
A) Aspirin causes several side effects, some good and some bad. Aspirin decreases thromboxane A2 which causes blood clots; however, at higher dosages, it also decreases the production of PGI2 (prostacyclin) that inhibits production of blood clots. Thus, higher dosages of aspirin would actually promote the formation of blood clots.
B) Low dosages of aspirin inhibit a critical enzyme in the production of prostaglandins called cyclooxygenase (COX). There are two forms of COX: 1 and 2. Low dosages enhance the production of COX-2 which reduces blood clots. COX-1 receptors only reduce pain.
C) Aspirin is an allosteric modulator that activates COX-2 in the body and it is COX-2 that primarily inhibits blood clot formation.
D) Aspirin inhibits the production of PGE2 in the stomach, which protects the stomach lining from stomach acid causing ulcers. Lower dosages do not inhibit PGE2 and do not harm the stomach.
E) Both dosages actually do the same thing to prevent blood clots but 82 mg of aspirin is much cheaper than 350 mg.
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